HS2 viaducts to be installed over busy motorways in major milestone

HS2’s complex civil engineering programme will shift up a gear this summer, as it prepares to deliver its biggest programme of work yet over the motorway network.

The construction schedule, which starts in June, will see three huge structures built over busy sections of the M42 and M6 in the West Midlands.

In one operation, a twin box will be built above both carriageways of the M42 near Birmingham Business Park – allowing the railway to be constructed over the top. Additionally, two single-track viaducts will be extended over the M42/M6 Toll near Water Orton, and a twin-track viaduct will be installed over the M6 near Chelmsley Wood.

The scale of the engineering works will underline the progress being made on HS2 as viaducts and structures built for the railway – which have been taking shape by the roadside over the last year – start to bridge the carriageway.

HS2 Ltd and its civil engineering partner, Balfour Beatty VINCI (BBV), have spent over a year planning the motorway crossings, in conjunction with National Highways, and every effort has been made to minimise disruption and keep traffic moving.

The six-month schedule was initially planned with nine closures, but the team has synchronised most of the work on the twin box structure and the Water Orton viaducts into the same weekends. This meticulous planning means the total number of motorway closures has reduced from nine down to six.

To minimise impacts on commuters at peak traffic times, junction closures will only take place from 9pm on Friday evenings through to 5am on Monday mornings.

While the schedule of motorway works demonstrates progress is being made, there is still a vast amount of work to do across the 140-mile route between London and Birmingham.

Mark Wild, HS2 Ltd Chief Executive, is leading a comprehensive reset of the project to ensure the remainder of the route is delivered as efficiently as possible and for the lowest reasonable cost. Minimising disruption to communities and working more productively remains a clear priority.